Johnson announces shock PGA Tour resignation as Woods ‘turns down’ $1bn for LIV Golf

Dustin Johnson has resigned from the PGA Tour and committed to playing the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series as the controversy surrounding the events continued.

The two-time major winner confirmed the news on Tuesday, which effectively bans him from the Ryder Cup, with the American becoming the second golfer to resign from the PGA Tour.

The contentious new event is being bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) and has divided opinion among golfers.

American Kevin Na was the first person to resign from the PGA Tour last week.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the inaugural LIV Golf event at Centurion Club, Johnson said: “I resigned my membership from the tour and I’m going to play here. For now, that’s the plan.

“What the consequences are going to be, I can’t comment on how the tour’s going to handle it. I can’t answer for the majors but hopefully they’re going to allow us to play.

“Obviously I’m exempt for the majors so I plan on playing there unless I hear otherwise.

“All things are subject to change. The Ryder Cup is unbelievable and has definitely meant a lot to me. I’m proud to say I’ve played and represented my country and hopefully I will get a chance to do that again, but I don’t make the rules.”

Johnson will join fellow American Phil Mickelson and European Ryder Cup stars such as Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer who will play for a £20.2million prize fund and £4m winner’s cheque.

However, one man who will not be on the Saudi-backed tour is Tiger Woods, despite him being offered as much as $1billion.

“Woods turned down a deal that was mind-blowingly enormous; we’re talking about high nine digits,” Greg Norman, who is heading up the LIV Golf Invitational Series, said.